The Las Vegas Raiders have finally done it…
No, I’m not talking about trading Davante Adams … I’m talking about a change a quarterback.
In a much-anticipated move, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce announced that Aidan O’Connell will officially replace Gardner Minshew and will start in Week 6 under center.
The decision comes after Minshew’s struggles in a Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos, where he threw for one touchdown and two interceptions before being benched.
O’Connell stepped in during the game, finishing with 94 passing yards and an interception.
This quarterback switch has been building for some time. Although Minshew won the starting job in the preseason and led the Raiders to a 2-3 record, Pierce had benched him twice during the season, including in Week 3.
O’Connell, who played under Pierce during his interim head coaching stint, now gets another chance to prove himself.
According to ESPN, Pierce expressed his desire for O’Connell to remain the starter for the rest of the season, but he also left the door open for Minshew’s return if needed.
The Raiders initially planned to revisit their preseason quarterback competition between Minshew and O’Connell before deciding this week to give O’Connell the starting nod.
Pierce’s decision comes as the team seeks a spark on offense.
Despite Minshew’s experience, the Raiders’ struggles have led to a need for change at the most critical position on the field.
O’Connell’s first test won’t be easy as the Raiders welcome in an angry Steelers defense this coming Sunday.
What are your thoughts on Pierce’s decision … Does O’Connell indeed give Vegas a better chance to win than Minshew???